Sylvia Josephine (Mallett) Hughes was born March 6, 1943 in Pasadena, Texas, the daughter of Sammie Lawrence Mallett, DDS and his wife, Nell Edith (Labat) Mallett. She grew up and attended high school in Pasadena, graduating in 1961. She then attended the University of Houston where she recieved her BA degree in teaching in 1965.

On October 13, 1977, Sylvia married her second husband, John Frederick Hughes in Pasadena, Texas. They made their home in Pasadena until 1979 when they moved to Industry.

Sylvia taught school in Pasadena until 1980. From 1981 until her death on May 13, 2005, she was employed by the Bellville Indendent School District where she enjoyed the challenges that teaching 8th grade English brought each year. She loved animals, and was active in the Austin County 4-H Horse Project which she helped charter. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed the time she and John spent riding their motorcycle together.

Sylvia and John passed away suddenly on Friday, May 13, 2005 when the motorcycle they were riding was struck by a car. They are survived by their daughter and son-in-law: Lela and Michael Kohring of Brenham, sons and daughter-in-laws Larry and Rhonda Hughes of Bellville, John "Sunny" and Shanon Hughes, Chas and Susan French all of Conroe; and grandchildren: Marshal and Wyatt Kohring, Chase, Brooke and Angelica French, Hayley Hughes and Shaye Sontag. They are also survived by Sylvia's sister: Kay and husband David Ham of Palestine; John's brother: Don and wife Faye Hughes of Rohmayor; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. They were preceded in death by their parents.

A memorial service was held at 6:00 PM Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at the Bellville High School Auditorium with Reverend Sonny Rice officiating.